Attachments Patents (Class 251/90)
  • Patent number: 10377362
    Abstract: A braking control system for a trailer includes a braking system on a semi-trailer with the brake application handle located at the inside rear of the trailer. The handle has a locking member so that personnel loading the trailer are able to apply and lock the brakes on the trailer, and only the person(s) holding the key are able to release the brakes. The system prevents the trailer from moving away from the dock plate and having the dock plate fall through the space between the moved trailer and the dock, injuring personnel and/or damaging equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Peter Posta
  • Patent number: 9657866
    Abstract: A water valve rotational brake including a convex, C-shaped base, a plurality of suction cups continuously disposed on a bottom surface of the base from a right edge of the base to a left edge of the base, a pair of pin height adjustable legs disposed on a top surface of the base, and an angled locking arm attached to a top end of each of the pair of pin height adjustable legs. A curvature of a front edge of the base substantially conforms to a curvature of an exterior edge of a water valve. The plurality of suction cups removably attaches to a surface proximal the water valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Randall D. Miskowic
  • Patent number: 9169943
    Abstract: A valve lockout device includes a body having a mount portion that defines a passageway. A cover positioned adjacent to the body defines a cover portion adjacent the mount portion thereby inhibiting access to the passageway in the mount portion. A position control arm extends through at least one of the body and cover, the position control arm defines a valve engagement portion and an adjustment portion. A lock aperture is formed in at least the other of the body and cover through which the position control arm extends. An adjustment member is positioned adjacent at least one of the body and the cover, the adjustment member defines an adjustment member aperture aligned with the lock aperture and is configured to engage the adjustment portion of the position control arm. Coupling the lock aperture and the adjustment member aperture inhibits relative movement of the body, cover, and adjustment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Grade, Christopher J. Rohde
  • Patent number: 8997786
    Abstract: Disclosed is a work vehicle having a hydraulic apparatus which can reliably prevent erroneous operation of the valve of the hydraulic apparatus even when the operating lever is moved inadvertently. With this hydraulic apparatus, with operations of a single operating lever in two directions, two valves are operated respectively. Two valve operating links for operating the two valves respectively are pivotally supported to a support shaft provided to a pair of frame plates and a lock pin is provided to the frame plates. The two valve operating links form pin holes. When the two valves are at the neutral positions, the lock pin is inserted into the pin holes with a locking operation of a lock operating tool, thus fixing the valve operating links and locking the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Hisashi Tsukatani
  • Patent number: 8925568
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for automating the operation of a solenoid valve to prevent overheating of solenoid elements. The solenoid valve controls the flow of a fluid, such as gas, and may be automatically interrupted, or shut-off, of power upon the occurrence of fluctuating currents or other events. Once the problem has been removed or repaired, the flow of fluid through the solenoid valve may resume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: Ferdinand Villegas Legaspi, Perfecto Ferrer Gallardo, Jr., Fernando Medina Bernardo
  • Patent number: 8905092
    Abstract: A pressure brace device holds a gas pump handle in the open position, can store small items such as a SPEEDPASS, and can be clipped to small-gauge items such as a key ring. The pressure brace comprises a depressible plunger within a spring-loaded housing. The plunger is compressed into the housing while the brace is situated in the gas pump handle, then released. The outward pressure provided by the spring holds the handle in the open position, allowing gas to flow through the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jameg Sanders
  • Publication number: 20140145099
    Abstract: The flow rate adjusting device includes: a valve body disposed so as to open and close the fluid passage; a dial operation part which adjusts minute opening of the valve body in the slow-leaking mechanism; a lock nut part which fixes the adjusting position of the minute opening; and a lock cap which prevents motion of the dial operation part and the lock nut part. The lock cap includes: a first insertion hole into which the substantially cylindrical dial operation part is inserted; a second insertion hole into which a rod protruding upward from the housing is inserted; and an arm part which connects the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Hiroki IGARASHI, Atsushi INOUE
  • Patent number: 8720478
    Abstract: A mechanism for implementing at least one of activation and deactivation of a gas valve that is coupled to an input manifold of a processing chamber is provided. The mechanism includes a toggle arm disposed in one of a toggle activation position and a toggle deactivation position. The mechanism also includes a toggle operated switch coupled to the toggle arm and the gas valve. The toggle operated switch is disposed on top of the gas valve and the toggle arm is disposed on top of the toggle operated switch so as to minimize a footprint of an assembly that comprises the gas valve, the toggle operated switch, and the toggle arm. Thus, the process gas flow flows through the gas valve when the toggle arm is in the toggle activation position and is inhibited from flowing into the gas valve when the toggle arm is in the toggle deactivation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Taskar
  • Patent number: 8720479
    Abstract: A one piece valve lockout device for use with a quarter turn, rotary selector valve that is closed at the one-eighth turn position and is mounted on a common assembly with a manually operated pump. The device includes parallel ears configured in a U shape, used to secure the device to the pumping assembly. The ears are oriented 45 degrees from a locking arm. The locking arm has two parallel plates extending downward around a valve handle. The parallel plates have pairs of aligned holes in which a padlock can be inserted, preventing unauthorized removal of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew Joseph Reinert
  • Publication number: 20140069550
    Abstract: A device for pumping fuel in a vehicle fuel tank has an element insertable into a handle of a fuel supplying hose and configured to be located between an activated lever and a wall of the handle so as to retain the lever in an activated position, and the element has a body which is freely insertable into a space between the lever and the wall of the handle and is freely completely removable by a user from the space between the lever and the wall of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Stiler
  • Publication number: 20130270469
    Abstract: A pressure brace device holds a gas pump handle in the open position, can store small items such as a SPEEDPASS, and can be clipped to small-gauge items such as a key ring. The pressure brace comprises a depressible plunger within a spring-loaded housing. The plunger is compressed into the housing while the brace is situated in the gas pump handle, then released. The outward pressure provided by the spring holds the handle in the open position, allowing gas to flow through the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Jameg Sanders
  • Publication number: 20130256571
    Abstract: Pin-locking devices are detailed. The devices may be placed atop inflation valves and mechanically interfere with movement of pins associated with the valves. Some versions of the devices are single-piece, rigid discs including through holes and curved protrusions interacting with inflation pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: JOSEPH MARVIN CANCEL, Anthony George Baker, John Zarzyski
  • Patent number: 8544499
    Abstract: A simplified variable orifice for a conduit furnishing a stream of particulate coal to a burner for a turbine in an electrical utility plant. Two plates are installed across the conduit, one of them being fixed and the other being variable in angular position relative to the first. A lockable mechanism is provided externally of the conduit to manually adjust the degree of blocking and to indicate the position of the movable plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Wark E. Rickey
  • Patent number: 8499802
    Abstract: A fuel pump nozzle for delivering fuel, with a manually operated switch lever which is movable between a closed position, in which there is no delivery of fuel, and an open position, in which fuel is delivered, wherein the switch lever is biased by a restoring spring in the direction of the closed position and automatically returns to the closed position when the manual force applied declines, wherein the pump nozzle is provided with a hold-open aid which reduces the force required to hold the switch lever in a particular open position compared to the forces required to hold the switch lever open in other open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Elaflex-Gummi Ehlers GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Falckenberg, Ulrich Meyer
  • Patent number: 8434531
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a main body that receives fuel from a fuel source for dispensing the fuel into a fuel tank, an operating lever associated with the main body, a locking device, and a locking device release mechanism. The operating lever is adapted to be actuated by an operator to dispense fuel from the nozzle. The locking device is associated with the operating lever for maintaining the operating lever in a hold open position such that the nozzle continues to dispense fuel without continued actuation of the operating lever by the operator. The locking device release mechanism is associated with the locking device and is adapted to release the operating lever from the hold open position upon the nozzle being stowed in an associated fuel pump cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Vapor Systems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 8430128
    Abstract: A tube clamp includes (i) a tube holding portion; (ii) a first arm extending from a first end of the tube holding portion; (iii) a second arm extending from a second end of the tube holding portion, the second armed curved so that a first catch located at a distal end of the second arm can be snap-fitted to the first arm to occlude a first tube extending through the tube holding portion; and (iv) wherein the first arm includes a locking feature configured such that when a second tube clamp is mated with the tube clamp, the locking feature interacts with a second catch of the second tube clamp so that the second tube clamp is prevented from occluding a second tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Patrick Balteau
  • Patent number: 8397768
    Abstract: A removable brace wedges between a fuel nozzle activating lever and the nozzle handle finger guard. A static electricity sensing circuit has antennas on both protruding sides of the brace. Visual and audible warning signals activate when a user approaches the nozzle with an electrostatic charge in the user's body. Light emitting diodes in upwardly extending protruding side portions are highly visible. A piezo-electric sounding device gives a loud warning. A magnet enables the brace to be attached to a metal part of the vehicle, such as inside the fuel cover door, when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Nicholas A Benik
  • Publication number: 20130001447
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a main body that receives fuel from a fuel source for dispensing the fuel into a fuel tank, an operating lever associated with the main body, a locking device, and a locking device release mechanism. The operating lever is adapted to be actuated by an operator to dispense fuel from the nozzle. The locking device is associated with the operating lever for maintaining the operating lever in a hold open position such that the nozzle continues to dispense fuel without continued actuation of the operating lever by the operator. The locking device release mechanism is associated with the locking device and is adapted to release the operating lever from the hold open position upon the nozzle being stowed in an associated fuel pump cradle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: VAPOR SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 8302930
    Abstract: An actuator having a linearly movable push rod for use in automotive engineering, which may be for operating a switching element of a valve, in particular a container control valve of a commercial vehicle, having a housing having an expandable material working element and an electrical heater for heating the expandable material working element. Furthermore, a device is provided for the controlled operation of a switching element of a valve, in particular a container control valve of a commercial vehicle, which includes an actuator of the aforementioned kind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Herges, Friedbert Roether, Martin Mederer, Janos Toth
  • Patent number: 8286677
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a main body that receives fuel from a fuel source for dispensing the fuel into a fuel tank, an operating lever associated with the main body, a locking device, and a locking device release mechanism. The operating lever is adapted to be actuated by an operator to dispense fuel from the nozzle. The locking device is associated with the operating lever for maintaining the operating lever in a hold open position such that the nozzle continues to dispense fuel without continued actuation of the operating lever by the operator. The locking device release mechanism is associated with the locking device and is adapted to release the operating lever from the hold open position upon the nozzle being stowed in an associated fuel pump cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Vapor Systems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 8210201
    Abstract: A regulator valve includes a duct, a valve element, and an actuator. The duct has an inner surface defining a flow passage. The valve element is movably disposed within the flow passage between an open position, in which fluid is permitted to flow through the flow passage, and a closed position, in which fluid is restricted from flowing through the flow passage. The actuator is coupled to the valve element and at least facilitates movement thereof between the closed and open positions and locking of the valve element in an intermediate position therebetween. The actuator comprises a shaft and a locking system. The shaft is coupled to the valve element and moves therewith. The locking system is coupled to the shaft and is activated when the valve element is in the intermediate position, to thereby at least inhibit movement of the shaft and the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Laurie Fowler, Rudy Velasquez, Joe Sega, Ed Dismukes
  • Patent number: 8210199
    Abstract: An arrangement for protecting a sill cock on the outside of a building structure from damage caused by water freezing in the sill cock includes an actuating rod extending through an exterior building wall having a handle disposed on its outer end with its inner end coupled to an inner valve in the sill cock's water line. Manually moving the rod by means of the handle in a first direction opens the inner valve allowing water to flow into the sill cock, while moving the rod in a second opposed direction prevents water from flowing to the sill cock to prevent damage to the sill cock by water freezing therein. A drain line with a second outer valve coupled to the water line outside of the building allows for draining water from the sill cock water line when the inner valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Popp
  • Publication number: 20120153197
    Abstract: A mechanism for implementing at least one of activation and deactivation of a gas valve that is coupled to an input manifold of a processing chamber is provided. The mechanism includes a toggle arm disposed in one of a toggle activation position and a toggle deactivation position. The mechanism also includes a toggle operated switch coupled to the toggle arm and the gas valve. The toggle operated switch is disposed on top of the gas valve and the toggle arm is disposed on top of the toggle operated switch so as to minimize a footprint of an assembly that comprises the gas valve, the toggle operated switch, and the toggle arm. Thus, the process gas flow flows through the gas valve when the toggle arm is in the toggle activation position and is inhibited from flowing into the gas valve when the toggle arm is in the toggle deactivation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Taskar
  • Patent number: 8196604
    Abstract: A deployable automated vent cover device includes a vent cover and a telescopic pole. The vent cover includes a vent base, a first vent door, a second vent door and a release mechanism. The release mechanism includes a solenoid, a pivot release, a first latch device and a second latch device. The vent base preferably includes a base plate with two openings, and a vent seal. The first and second vent doors are pivotal attached to the base plate. The first latch device is retained on the base plate and the second latch device is retained on the base plate. The first and second latch devices retain the first and second vent doors in a closed orientation. The pivot release is pivotally connected to the solenoid and to the first and second latch devices. The solenoid is actuated to open the first and second vent doors through the pivot release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Ricciardi, Carl L. Ricciardi, John D. Wolf, II
  • Publication number: 20120126156
    Abstract: The present apparatus is a novel locking apparatus and method for use with a shut-off valve. The housing of the locking apparatus is configured to receive at least a portion of the shut-off valve and secure it in a closed or off position. The housing of the locking device envelopes the shut-off valve and is secured in placed through the use of two screws. The screws have proprietary head shapes having a matching key. By using a housing which envelopes the shut-off valve and screws with proprietary head shapes, conventional methods to gain unauthorized access to the shut-off valve, such as lock picks, lock cutters, hammers, pry bars, and the like are ineffective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Donnie Bennett
  • Patent number: 8162285
    Abstract: A safety device includes a first loop arranged around a handle of a nozzle. via a first strip of material. A second strip of material extends across the second A second loop is arranged around a body of the nozzle and adjoins the first loop loop. A first strip of material includes a fastener for creating a third loop that prevents a bale of the nozzle from being opened. The safety device may include a visual indicator arranged at a free end of the first strip of material for indicating that a firefighting crew maintaining the nozzle has passed inspection and the type of agent the fire hose expels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Dwayne Rooker
  • Patent number: 8104503
    Abstract: An optimized activation prevention assembly for a gas delivery system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pneumatically operated valve assembly. The apparatus also includes a toggle switch mechanically attached to the pneumatically operated valve assembly, the toggle switch includes a toggle arm, the toggle arm being positioned in one of an activation zone and a deactivation zone, wherein when the toggle arm is positioned in the activation zone, the pneumatically operated valve is activated, and wherein when the toggle arm is positioned in the deactivation zone, the pneumatically operated valve is deactivated. The apparatus further includes an activation prevention mechanism attached to the toggle switch, wherein when the activation prevention mechanism being configured for preventing the toggle arm from being repositioned from the deactivation zone to the activation zone without at least bypassing a lockout function of the optimized activation prevention mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Taskar
  • Patent number: 8074960
    Abstract: A method and system for restricting access to a valve stem of a valve by employing a valve locking assembly is disclosed. The locking assembly comprises a first means for receiving a valve stem of a valve and an engaging member. The locking assembly additionally comprises a second means for receiving the valve stem of the valve and comprising a slide for engaging the engaging member of the first means, the slide having a first length along an outer periphery of the second means and a second length intersecting the first length such that the second length is shorter than the first length. The locking assembly additionally comprises a third means for releasably securing the second means in position about the valve stem of the valve, wherein the first means is capable of being positioned over the second and the third means about the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine T. Milbeck, Thomas J. Edwards, Christopher J. Rohde, Kenneth W. Phillips, Steven J. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 8061683
    Abstract: Manual valve operators having a locking device are described. An example manual operator includes a lever rotatably coupled to a locking plate and has a handle that pivots between a first position to prevent rotation of the lever relative to the locking plate and a second position to enable rotation of the lever relative to the locking plate. A lockout member is removably coupled to the handle. The handle has an aperture to receive at least a portion of the lockout member. The lockout member engages a portion of the lever to prevent the handle from pivoting between the first and second positions to prevent rotation of the lever relative to the locking plate when the lockout member is coupled to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLC
    Inventor: Ross E. Long
  • Patent number: 8033523
    Abstract: A connector includes a housing disposed in conjunction with a pressurized vessel and sprung valve assembly and a stem to be inserted into the housing in two stages. The stem is retained in the housing in the first stage and the stem activates the valve to release the pressurized fluid in the second stage. The connector employs a two-stage retaining mechanism that includes a clip retained in a groove defined in an interior wall of the housing, a lower groove and an upper groove formed into an exterior of the stem. The clip is disposed in the lower groove and the housing groove in the first stage; and in the upper groove and the housing groove in the second stage. The stem defines a stem stop that contacts an assembly setting mechanism upon completion of the first stage. The assembly setting mechanism is removed to allow the second stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. King, Jonathan Clark Swift, Geoffrey Richard Keast
  • Patent number: 8015991
    Abstract: A plurality of solenoid valves are installed on a valve mount surface of a manifold base to receive a pressure fluid supplied from a supply passage of the manifold base via a supply communication hole. A stop valve base connected to a side surface of the manifold base has a stop valve mount surface formed on the upper surface to the side of the valve mount surface. The stop valve is attached to the stop valve mount surface to open and close the supply communication hole by pushing and pulling the stop valve from a side with the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Masanori Kaitsuka
  • Patent number: 7967005
    Abstract: A duel fuel gas control valve controls the supply of gas (e.g., natural gas or liquid propane gas) to a gas grill. The duel fuel gas control valve is structured to control either natural or LP gas flow at the desired operating characteristics based on conventional gas supply characteristics and gas grill requirements. A restrictor mechanism, when in first and second configurations, respectively, restricts movement of the valve core to a first predetermined range for a first mode of operation (first type of gas supply) and to a second predetermined range for a second mode of operation (second type of gas supply).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Parrish
  • Patent number: 7909304
    Abstract: A fuel pump nozzle holding device for allowing a user to engage a trigger handle of a fuel nozzle and pump gas without having to hold the trigger handle comprising a ring having a first half and a second half, wherein the first half and the second half are connected via a hinge at one end. At the second end, the first half and the second half can be connected by inserting a locking mechanism. A magnet is disposed on the ring that allows the device to be temporarily attached to a fuel tank cover of a car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Frank S. Lombardo
  • Patent number: 7819292
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a pump assembly for pressurizing a low cost container, the container non reversibly connected to a coupler module. A wand assembly is releasably connected to the coupler module. A discharge conduit fluidly connects the wand assembly to the container to displace a check valve in the pump assembly to permit flow from the pump assembly. The wand assembly includes a grip body slideable relative to the discharge conduit between a retracted storage position and an extended operable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: The Fountainhead Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Arcuri, Mark I. Cushman, George A. Mitchell, Mario J. Restive
  • Publication number: 20100181509
    Abstract: A limiter detachably associated with a water faucet having a lever-type handle, enabling to prevent the rotational movement range of the lever-type handle. The limiter comprises a body and a limiting-handle where the limiting-handle is rotatably connected to the body. The limiter may be installed to the faucet at one of its hot or cold sides, where the limiter enables a user to rotate the limiting-handle towards and away from the lever-type handle of the faucet to physically limit the rotational movement of the lever-type handle. The limiter may be installed near the side of the faucet where hot water are controlled to serve as a safety device enabling to prevent the flow of hot water when the limiter's limiting-handle is locked in a limiting position that prevents rotating of the lever-type handle of the faucet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: LITTLE GUARD LTD.
    Inventors: Avi Held, Moshe Porat
  • Publication number: 20100132714
    Abstract: A sealing device for positive pressure testing is attached to a respirator face mask and includes an outer frame integrally joined to a movable cap by a flexible link that biases the cap in an open position for the operational use of the face mask against a manually applied force to move the cap to a sealed position for the positive pressure testing to assure the proper fit of the face mask on the wearer. The method for positive pressure testing includes flexibly moving the sealing device from the open position to the sealing position such that the sealing surface of the cap seals the exhalation valve assembly closed. The wearer then exhales into the mask to test the seal of the mask. When the test is completed, the sealing device is released and the inherent biasing force moves the cap from the sealing position to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: NORTH SAFETY PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Paul Morelli, Nino Granatiero, Joseph Rodrigues
  • Publication number: 20100108921
    Abstract: A method and system for restricting access to a valve stern of a valve by employing a valve locking assembly is disclosed. The locking assembly comprises a first means for receiving a valve stem of a valve and an engaging member. The locking assembly additionally comprises a second means for receiving the valve stem of the valve and comprising a slide for engaging the engaging member of the first means, the slide having a first length along an outer periphery of the second means and a second length intersecting the first length such that the second length is shorter than the first length. The locking assembly additionally comprises a third means for releasably securing the second means in position about the valve stem of the valve, wherein the first means is capable of being positioned over the second and the third means about the valve stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Katherine T. Milbeck, Thomas J. Edwards, Christopher J. Rohde
  • Patent number: 7708025
    Abstract: A poppet valve member includes a main body, and a cover portion disposed at the first end of the valve member. The cover portion is removable from the main body, the cover portion including a first seal disposed about an outer perimeter of the cover portion. The valve member includes a head portion disposed proximate the first end and behind the cover portion, the head portion including a second seal disposed about an outer perimeter defined by the head portion. A webbing portion is disposed between the cover portion and the head portion, the webbing portion including a fault structure to enable the cover portion to be removed from the main body and broken off from the head portion. The main body is formed of a molded material, and the first and second seals are formed of an overmold material molded onto the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7690624
    Abstract: A valve drive device which can prevent a locknut fixing a stem nut to a drive sleeve from getting loosened. The valve drive device comprises: the stem nut for screwing a valve stem thereinto; the drive sleeve engaging with a male spline formed on a peripheral outer surface of said stem nut, said drive sleeve including a worm gear on a peripheral outer surface thereof; a worm in meshing engagement with said worm gear; and a housing that supports said drive sleeve by bearings. The valve drive device further comprises: a stem nut fastening member having a first male screw that engages with a female screw provided on a peripheral inner surface of said drive sleeve; and a locknut that engages with a second male screw provided on a reduced diameter portion of said stem nut fastening member, said second male screw having a reverse screw thread relative to said first male screw, so that no slack may arise between said stem nut fastening member and said drive sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignees: The Japan Atomic Power Company, Nippon Gear Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruo Ito, Susumu Watanabe, Osamu Okada
  • Publication number: 20100043889
    Abstract: An optimized activation prevention assembly for a gas delivery system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pneumatically operated valve assembly. The apparatus also includes a toggle switch mechanically attached to the pneumatically operated valve assembly, the toggle switch includes a toggle arm, the toggle arm being positioned in one of an activation zone and a deactivation zone, wherein when the toggle arm is positioned in the activation zone, the pneumatically operated valve is activated, and wherein when the toggle arm is positioned in the deactivation zone, the pneumatically operated valve is deactivated. The apparatus further includes an activation prevention mechanism attached to the toggle switch, wherein when the activation prevention mechanism being configured for preventing the toggle arm from being repositioned from the deactivation zone to the activation zone without at least bypassing a lockout function of the optimized activation prevention mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Taskar
  • Patent number: 7628168
    Abstract: An optimized activation prevention assembly for a gas delivery system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pneumatically operated valve assembly. The apparatus also includes a toggle switch mechanically attached to the pneumatically operated valve assembly, the toggle switch includes a toggle arm, the toggle arm being positioned in one of an activation zone and a deactivation zone, wherein when the toggle arm is positioned in the activation zone, the pneumatically operated valve is activated, and wherein when the toggle arm is positioned in the deactivation zone, the pneumatically operated valve is deactivated. The apparatus further includes an activation prevention mechanism attached to the toggle switch, wherein when the activation prevention mechanism being configured for preventing the toggle arm from being repositioned from the deactivation zone to the activation zone without at least bypassing a lockout function of the optimized activation prevention mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Taskar
  • Patent number: 7628377
    Abstract: A mechanical assist assembly for translating a pushing motion from a vehicle operator into an oppositely directed valve deactuation force including a spring cap having a generally round cap portion, a locking recess formed in the cap portion, a helical compression spring operationally connected and extending from the cap portion and a locking bolt extending from a vehicle dash plate. The cap portion may be depressed to actuate the valve actuator, thereby increasing the potential energy of the compression spring. The cap may be rotated a first direction to engage the locking bolt and, once engaged, may be rotated a second direction to disengage the locking bolt. Disengaging the cap portion from the locking bolt enables the helical compression spring to release its stored potential energy and urge the valve actuator into its disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Curtis Michael Doan
  • Patent number: 7559528
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a valve assembly comprising a valve body, a valve element, an actuator housing, an actuator, an unlocked storage opening, a locked storage opening, and a lock. The valve body has an inlet port, an outlet port, and a flow passage therebetween. The valve element is movably disposed within the valve body flow passage. The actuator is disposed within the actuator housing, coupled to the valve element, and operable to move the valve. The unlocked and locked storage openings are formed in the actuator housing. The lock is selectively insertable into, and movable between, the unlocked and locked storage openings. When in the unlocked storage opening, the lock does not engage the actuator, and valve movement is thereby allowed. When in the locked storage opening, the lock engages at least a portion of the actuator, thereby at least inhibiting valve movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Javier Gutierrez, Raul Velasquez, Joel E. Labenz, Michael H. Borns
  • Patent number: 7516910
    Abstract: A pressure washer gun is connectable to a source of fluid. The pressure washer gun includes a housing that defines an interior and a flow path disposed substantially within the interior. The flow path includes an inlet in fluid communication with the source and an outlet. A valve at least partially defines a portion of the flow path and is movable between a closed position and an open position in which fluid travels from the inlet to the outlet. A user interface is movable between an actuated position in which the valve is open and a non-actuated position in which the valve is closed. A lock member is substantially disposed within the interior and is movable in a substantially arcuate path between a locked position in which the lock assembly inhibits movement of the user interface, and an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher C. DeWall, Richard J. Gilpatrick
  • Patent number: 7469876
    Abstract: A method and system for securing the exposed valve actuation portion of the valve system in order to restrict the unauthorized use therefrom; including a first device keying the exposed valve actuation portion, a second device, containing the exposed portion of the keyed valve actuation, a third keyed device for locking the valve actuation portion within the second device, a fourth keyed device for actuating the pressure adjustment portion, a fifth device for maintaining ease of rotation, a sixth device for securing the third device to the existing valve system, and a seventh device for engaging and operating the first and/or third devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Michael Fox
  • Publication number: 20080315138
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism for a slurry valve, wherein the slurry valve has a valve seat for seating a valve closure member carried on a valve stem, a drive member threadably engaged with the valve stem, the drive member being rotatable relative to the valve stem to axially move the valve stem and closure member relative to the valve seat to open and close the slurry valve, and a driving means for rotating the drive member, the clutch mechanism comprising: a clutch body having an internally threaded bore for threadably receiving the valve stem; and clamping means actuable with the clutch body for clamping the clutch body to the driving means so as to lock the valve stem and drive member together and allow them to rotate in unison to grind scale from the valve seat and valve closure member when they are positioned against each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: TYCO FLOW CONTROL PACIFIC PTY LTD
    Inventors: Nigel Hardie, Michael Taylor, Paul Delaney
  • Patent number: 7287548
    Abstract: An integrated valve assembly and apparatus. The assembly has a main body that includes (1) an internal gas passage for conveying gas between a gas inlet and a gas outlet; (2) a gas expansion means placed in the internal gas passage between the gas inlet and the gas outlet; (3) and a locking valve that is used for controlling the release of the gas. Also included is a rotary actuator that can be operated by the user. This rotary actuator includes a blocking means that acts on the rotary actuator to prevent rotation of the rotary actuator. The integrated valve assembly may be used in a portable equipment unit that includes a compressed-oxygen bottle on which the valve assembly is mounted, and may optionally include a protective shroud for protecting the assembly and a demand valve connected to oxygen therapy nose clips, to a flowmeter or to any other similar device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Taema
    Inventors: Christian Bleys, Philippe Rudnianyn, Pedro Collado
  • Patent number: 7185877
    Abstract: A quick-connect coupling for a gas line has a socket member for connection to a gas line and a nipple for connection to a gas appliance, the nipple being engageable in the socket member for coupling the gas line to the appliance, with a sleeve displaceable between a locking position for securing the nipple in the socket member and a released position in which the nipple is free to be uncoupled from the socket member. A locking member is displaceable along a path of movement into an extended position to retain the sleeve in the locking position. A control knob connected to the gas valve is rotatable for opening and closing the gas valve to control gas flow through the socket member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Horst Budde
  • Patent number: 7114698
    Abstract: A locking device for quarter turn valves avoids the inadvertent, unauthorized or careless manipulation of quarter turn valves from a desired position thereby minimizing, if not eliminating, the likelihood for damage or injury in an industrial or other setting as a result of the unauthorized opening/closing of the valve. The locking device includes a shroud which is adapted to be placed over the upper end of the stem and adjacent portion of the handle on the valve. The shroud has a capping portion which securely engages a mounting pad of the valve and an upwardly extending channel designed to at least partially surround a portion of the handle. A hole is provided in the channel and aligns with a hole in an adjacent portion of the handle when the shroud is placed on the valve. As such, the post of a lock is easily inserted through the aligned holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Roger Espinoza
  • Patent number: 7077162
    Abstract: The relief valve assembly (10) includes a tube (24) having a circular threaded portion (30) adjacent a first end (28) that rotatbly receives an interconnection means. The tube other end has male threads (34) for connection to a water-use point. A valving means actuator (46) has a tapered head (50) which can be manually operated to be located in blocking or unblocking relation within an opening (44) in the tube (26) for selectively emitting liquid to the ambient and reducing internal tube water pressure. A system lock (57) enables selective locking or unlocking of the relief valve assembly (10) as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Al Burdick